What caused the early split between the eastern and western churches?

The early split between the eastern and western churches, known as the Great Schism of 1054, was primarily caused by theological, political, and cultural differences. Disputes over the authority of the Pope in Rome versus the Patriarch of Constantinople, differing interpretations of the Nicene Creed (notably the "Filioque" controversy), and growing tensions between the Latin-speaking West and the Greek-speaking East contributed significantly. Additionally, political factors, such as the rise of the Byzantine Empire and its rivalry with the Western Roman Church, exacerbated these divisions. Ultimately, these factors culminated in mutual excommunications that formalized the split.